Cheesy Dorito Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crunchy, flavorful, and downright addictive – that’s what you can expect from these Dorito Chicken Tenders! Whether you opt for the convenience of the air fryer or the traditional oven, these tenders are ready in just about 30 minutes. The secret? A crispy Dorito coating that perfectly complements the juicy chicken inside. Kids love them, making them a perfect family dinner option or a fun twist for salads. The nacho cheese flavor paired with that satisfying crunch is simply unbeatable. Move over, regular breaded tenders; there’s a new star in town!

Looking for a lighter, healthier alternative? My air fryer falafel recipe delivers that crispy, golden perfection without the need for deep frying. Using traditional chickpeas, herbs, and spices, these falafels capture that authentic flavor while keeping things light and wholesome. With a blend of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill, along with aromatic garlic and onion, these falafels are bursting with Mediterranean goodness. The air fryer method ensures a crispy exterior and a tender inside, just like the traditional version, but with a healthier twist. Whether you dip them in tahini sauce, add them to a mezze platter, or stuff them in a pita with cucumber, tomato, and pickles, these falafels are a versatile and delicious option for any meal.

Quick Benefits

• Crispy and flavorful: The Dorito coating provides a perfectly crispy texture while delivering a delicious nacho cheese flavor that enhances the chicken tenders.
• Kid-friendly and addictive: Kids love these Dorito chicken tenders, making them a hit with the whole family for a fun and tasty meal option.
• Versatile and convenient: Great for dinner or salads, these chicken tenders offer a fun twist on traditional tenders and can be easily made in both the air fryer or oven for a quick and easy meal prep option.
• Healthier twist on a classic: By using the air fryer or oven instead of deep frying, you can enjoy crispy chicken tenders without the excess oil, making them a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional breaded tenders.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Dorito Chicken Tenders Recipe Recipe

• Addictive Flavor: The combination of Chili Heatwave Doritos and spices creates a crave-worthy taste that keeps you coming back for more.
• Easy and Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes whether you use the air fryer or oven, making it a perfect weeknight meal option.
• Crispy Texture: The Dorito coating turns perfectly crispy while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside, offering a delightful contrast in texture.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the fun twist on regular chicken tenders, making it a family-friendly meal option.
• Versatile: Great for dinner served with sides or cut up for salads, offering flexibility in how you can enjoy this dish.
• Unbeatable Nacho Cheese Flavor: The nacho cheese flavor from the Doritos combined with the crispy crunch elevates this dish above regular breaded tenders.
• Healthier Option: Using the air fryer or baking method instead of deep frying makes this recipe lighter while still delivering on flavor and texture.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal as a finger food option for gatherings or parties, as the unique flavor and crispy texture make it a crowd-pleaser.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can make a big batch of these tenders, freeze the extras, and quickly reheat them for a convenient meal option on busy days.
• Customizable: You can experiment with different spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences, offering a personalized touch to the dish.

Ingredients for Cheesy Dorito Chicken Tenders Recipe

• ½ teaspoon black pepper.
• Oil spray as needed.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
• 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika.
• 1¼ teaspoons salt, divided.
• 200g Chili Heatwave Doritos.
• 50g plain flour.
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder.
• 600g chicken tenders or breast sliced into strips.
• 2 eggs, beaten.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Dorito Chicken Tenders Recipe

For the Dorito Chicken Tenders, to ensure maximum flavor and crunch, crush the Doritos into a fine powder using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin. This will help the coating stick better to the chicken and create a crispier texture. Additionally, before coating the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will also aid in achieving a crispy exterior. When air frying or baking the tenders, make sure not to overcrowd the basket or baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking, ensuring each piece gets golden and crispy.

When making the air fryer falafel, be sure to use dried chickpeas that have been soaked for at least 24 hours instead of canned chickpeas for the best texture and flavor. To achieve a light and fluffy interior, remember to incorporate baking powder into the falafel mixture. Experiment with different spice variations such as turmeric or paprika, and feel free to swap out herbs like mint for dill to customize the flavor profile to your preference. To save time on busy days, consider making a large batch of falafel and freezing the extras for quick reheating in the air fryer or oven, maintaining their crispy exterior and tender interior.

How to Make Cheesy Dorito Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Preheat oven to 400°F for baking.

Step 2: Step 02

Place Doritos in a plastic bag and crush into large crumbs using a rolling pin, maintaining some texture without turning them into powder.

Step 3: Step 03

Season chicken pieces with ¼ teaspoon of salt.

Step 4: Step 04

Place the flour mixture in one dish, beaten eggs in another, and crushed Doritos in a third dish.

Step 5: Step 05

Coat each piece in flour, dip in egg, and thoroughly cover with crushed Doritos, handling delicately.

Step 6: Step 06

Place in air fryer and spray with oil. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 7: Step 07

Place on a wire rack set over a baking tray and spray with oil. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.

Storage Tips

To store the Dorito chicken tenders, allow any leftovers to cool completely to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use an oven or air fryer to crisp them up again for the best texture.

For the falafel, if you have cooked extra or have leftovers, let them cool down before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, freeze the cooked falafel in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen falafel, simply warm them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes until they are crispy again.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy these delicious dishes even after they are cooked, making it convenient to have a quick and tasty meal ready to go whenever you desire.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Chili Heatwave Doritos on hand for the Dorito chicken tenders, you can easily substitute them with any other flavored tortilla chips you prefer. Nacho cheese, ranch, or spicy nacho chips could work well to create a unique twist on the recipe.

In the falafel recipe, if you don’t have chickpeas on hand or prefer a different legume, you can substitute them with cooked lentils or a combination of white beans and peas. This will provide a similar texture and protein content to the dish.

For the fresh herbs in the falafel, if you’re not a fan of dill or cilantro, you can swap them out for fresh mint or basil to add a different flavor profile. Experimenting with different herbs can give your falafel a unique taste while still keeping it fresh and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and flavorful meal, serve the Dorito chicken tenders as a party snack or main course. Arrange them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, and spicy mayo for a customizable experience. Pair them with a side of crunchy coleslaw and sweet potato fries for a well-rounded and satisfying meal that will please both kids and adults alike.

To elevate the air fryer falafel, create a DIY falafel bar for a unique and interactive dining experience. Set out bowls of different toppings such as diced cucumbers, tomatoes, pickled red onions, tahini sauce, and tzatziki. Let guests assemble their own falafel wraps or bowls with warm pita bread or a bed of fluffy couscous. This setup is perfect for gatherings and allows everyone to customize their meal to their liking, making it a hit for parties or family dinners.

FAQs for Cheesy Dorito Chicken Tenders Recipe

Can I use a different flavor of Doritos for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with different flavors of Doritos to give your chicken tenders a unique twist. Feel free to try out other flavors like Cool Ranch or Nacho Cheese for a different taste experience.

Can I substitute chicken breast for chicken tenders in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use chicken breast sliced into strips instead of chicken tenders. Just ensure that the chicken pieces are of similar size to ensure even cooking and that they are coated well with the Dorito mixture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free Doritos or by substituting the plain flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. This way, you can enjoy delicious Dorito chicken tenders without gluten.

How do I know when the chicken tenders are cooked through?

You can check for doneness by cutting into a piece of chicken to ensure it is no longer pink inside. Additionally, you can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Dorito Chicken Tenders are a fantastic twist on classic chicken tenders that are sure to please both kids and adults alike. The crispy crunch of the Dorito coating paired with the juicy chicken inside creates a mouthwatering combination that is hard to resist. Whether you choose to make them in the air fryer or oven, you can rest assured that you’ll end up with a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

So, the next time you’re looking to switch up your dinner routine or add a fun dish to your meal rotation, give these Dorito Chicken Tenders a try. With their bold nacho cheese flavor and addictive crunch, they are sure to become a new family favorite. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your sides and dipping sauces to elevate the meal even further. Enjoy making and savoring these Dorito Chicken Tenders – they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!